I think the significant difference between this year and past years is the
current, um, "chaos" that Detroit city government is in right now.
Considering the massive financial money pit that is Detroit, impending
receivership and heightened scrutiny of expenditures, I simply can't see the
city approving this UNLESS Saunderson can show commitment from private
sponsors for every single dollar he needs. But I would think in order for
sponsors to commit, they'd probably want a guarantee that the festival is
happening, right? It just seems like a possible catch-22.
Kevin also seems like a better business man than Derrick, and he doesn't
seem the type to try and pull off an eleventh hour save at the risk of
shoddy results (unless it was a very small scale, one-day thing).
With Mutek starting a day early this year, it overlaps with Memorial Day
weekend and makes a perfect excuse for me to get out of Detroit that
weekend. Nevertheless, I'm sure the usual suspects will plan some worthwhile
events after dark, festival or not.
From: Matt MacQueen <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
OK this happens every year. Right or wrong, nothing starts on time. All
problems, funding, doom and gloom, management teams change 4 times,
sponsors drop, etc. etc. Drama. Somehow, something always happens. Formal
and "city approved" or splintered and guerilla-style, you can bet Detroit
will have an electronic music fest that weekend. Now it's in the
bloodstream. "If you come, they will build it." errr, wait a minute...
but you get my point.
I'm not saying this makes things any easier for our trans-atlantic
visitors, but for those of us in the area I'd stop worrying.
--
Matt MacQueen
http://sonicsunset.com
